WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declined to ban chlorpyrifos – a dangerous pesticide widely used in agriculture and linked to many health hazards, particularly neurological damage in children. Last year, LULAC joined other health, environmental, and civil rights…
Category: Business
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson introduces bill to encourage building of innovative affordable housing for seniors
SACRAMENTO – Inspired by Rona Barrett’s efforts building the Golden Inn and Village, a housing project for low-income seniors in Solvang in Santa Barbara County, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has introduced a bill to encourage the building of similar affordable…
Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission Hires Chief Diversity Officer
Industry Veteran and Diversity Expert Joins Gold Coast Health Plan CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC) today announced that Douglas C. Freeman has accepted the position of chief diversity officer (CDO), at Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP). Mr. Freeman…
Project Manager Acts as Principal for A Day
CAMARILLO — Reaching out to her community, local resident Perla Hernandez Lastra was recently Principal for A Day at Wilson High School in Long Beach. “It was humbling to witness the tremendous amount of work it takes to successfully run…
State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson bill to provide job-protected leave for new parents passes out of committee
SACRAMENTO — As momentum continues to grow nationwide for stronger family leave policies, a bill by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to ensure that more Californians can take leave to care for a newborn without the fear of losing their jobs has passed…
CenCal Health Welcomes Two New Members to their Board of Directors
SANTA BARBARA AND SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES — CenCal Health is pleased to welcome two new board members, Douglas Metz, M.D., and Mark Lisa, to their Board of Directors. Douglas Metz, M.D., currently serves as the Deputy Director of Primary…
Dole Packaged Foods Receives 2017 Rose Parade Sweepstakes Trophy in Presentation Event, March 21
WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Dole Packaged Foods will be accepting its seventh Tournament of Roses float award in a ceremony at its headquarters in Westlake Village on Tuesday March 21st. Dole’s float, “Spirit of Hawaii,” won the Sweepstakes Trophy for most…
Gold Coast Transit District Says THANKS on Transit Driver Appreciation Day on March 17
VENTURA COUNTY — Gold Coast Transit District along with transit agencies across the country are saying THANKS on Friday, March 17th, in celebration of Transit Driver Appreciation Day. Please join the District in doing the same. Bus operators are experts in…
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Presents Laguna Farms With Health Champion Award
Local Farming Company Recognized for Workplace Wellness OXNARD — Laguna Farms, berry grower in Ventura County and affiliate of Reiter Affiliated Companies, will receive the ‘Health Champion’ award on March 7, 2017 at the Board of Supervisors meeting for their commitment…
Nomi Wagner wins 34th annual California Strawberry Festival Official Poster Contest
OXNARD — Using a unique medium that combines traditional watercolor painting with fine art digital technology, artist Nomi Wagner of Oxnard won the California Strawberry Festival 34th Annual Poster Contest. Nomi’s winning entry was revealed today to dignitaries and Festival sponsors gathered…
Heal Your Heart: Can a Gift Help Prevent Heart Disease?
SANTA BARBARA — What goes into maintaining a healthy heart? Is it just the physical heart muscle and circulation that matters, or is there an active emotional component? Can the simple act of conveying your best wishes and intentions make…
Ventura Brand Development Firm Adds Social Media, Public Relations expert
VENTURA — Consortium Media + Public Relations (CM+PR), a firm specializing in integrating marketing, branding, media relations, multimedia and social media, has added nationally known social media strategist and writer Emily Savage to its team. Savage is a journalist, social…
April 3 — With “Eat Local” Focus, Pioneering Community Magazine Organization with Editions Across North America Celebrates 15 Years Edible Ojai & Ventura County Marks Milestone Anniversary
VENTURA COUNTY — Regional magazine Edible Ojai & Ventura County, part of Edible Communities–the James Beard Foundation award-winning family of 100 locally owned and licensed food magazines—is celebrating its 15th anniversary this spring. It’s a milestone shared by its parent…
Bilingual report: Ventura County’s Indigenous Language Radio Station Launches on FM
OXNARD — The Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) is thrilled to announce that our indigenous language radio station, Radio Indigena, can now be reached on your FM dial. After three years of careful preparation, training, and initial internet broadcasting, Radio Indigena…
April 4 — Ben & Jerry’s at The Collection at RiverPark Serves Fans Fun Flavors and Free Ice Cream
OXNARD — Ben & Jerry’s fans can mark April 4th on their calendars as the 2017 Ben & Jerry-est day of the year: Free Cone Day! For the past 38 years, Ben & Jerry’s has opened Scoop Shops to dish…
March 22 — “Pay to Play” the new Social Media Reality? And How Can You “Play to Win?” – Changing the Rules of Marketing
OXNARD — Are your company’s marketing skills hitting the mark? The way companies promote brands affects their ability to navigate social media in 2017. This is the topic of the March 22 Public Relations Society of America Gold Coast Chapter…
Bilingual report: California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Means Money Back for Working Californians
California’s working families may be eligible to receive money back through tax credits that can be claimed simply by filing a tax return on or before April 18. Between the state California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the companion…
Oxnard to be Featured on National Public Travel Television Series
Family Travel with Colleen Kelly to film in Oxnard this March OXNARD — Oxnard’s golden beaches, attractions, majestic offshore Islands, picturesque Channel Islands Harbor its diverse restaurants and more will be featured on Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, a popular national public…
Centerpoint Mall Offers Sweetheart Shopping And Dining Spots For Valentine’s Day
OXNARD — Centerpoint Mall retailers have many sweetheart spots to shop and dine at the more than 34 retail, specialty, entertainment and restaurants ranging from apparel and jewelry to candy and gift cards, among others. Centerpoint Mall is the popular…
The Collection at RiverPark diners take journey to Mediterranean with debut of Luna Grill
OXNARD — The Collection at RiverPark has announced today that Luna Grill will open in March, making it the first restaurant of the new year to join the center’s rapidly growing directory of eateries. Luna Grill puts a fresh twist…
Ventura County Legislators Urge Reevaluation of Puente Power Project
SACRAMENTO – As the California Energy Commission undertakes multiple days of hearings in Oxnard regarding the proposed Puente Power Project, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara),Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), and Senator Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park) have released the following statements urging commissioners to pause and reevaluate…
Local Businesses to Host Job Shadow Day for Academy Students
Young Learners Get Real-World View into Professions OXNARD – Twelve local businesses will host students from the Oxnard Union High School District Linked Learning academies for a job shadowing project aimed at introducing young people to potential career paths aligned with…
Three Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Attorneys Recognized as “Rising Stars”
CENTRAL COAST — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP, Ventura County’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce attorneys Jesse Cahill, Douglas Goldwater and Kymberley Peck have been named to this year’s Rising Stars list of Super Lawyers. This is a…
Gene Haas Foundation Awards $185,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme
OXNARD — The Gene Haas Foundation recently awarded $185,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme in support of the Club’s many programs, including STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math), and life-enhancing programs such…
Three Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers List
CENTRAL COAST — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson announced that three of their attorneys, Michael Case, Wendy Lascher, and Theodore England, have been named to the 2017 Super Lawyers list. All three attorneys are repeat honorees. Super Lawyers is a rating…
Latino News Notes: Pew Research Center Hispanic Trends
By the Pew Research Center Click here for the entire newsletter Unauthorized immigrants covered by DACA face uncertain future 115th Congress sets new high for racial, ethnic diversity Blacks and Hispanics face extra challenges in getting home loans Less than…
Gold Coast Transit District’s Robert Lurie, Director of Fleet and Facilities, retires after 35 years
OXNARD — After nearly 35 years of dedicated service, Gold Coast Transit District’s Robert Lurie, Director of Fleet and Facilities has retired. Lurie joined GCTD (then known as SCAT) in March of 1982 as a mechanic and by 1986 he was…
LinkedIn Officially Endorses SBCC Career Skills Institute
SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is proud to announce its endorsement by LinkedIn for its outstanding efforts to build a better future for the community’s workforce and employers. The Career Skills Institute and LinkedIn share the common goal…
Gold Coast Transit District staff brought holiday cheer to the bus this season
OXNARD – Riding on a Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) bus isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind as a way to ring in the holidays; however, for the month of December that’s exactly what many GCTD passengers…
Feb. 22 — How to Create and Market Videos to Get Your P.R. Message Across is Topic at February PRSA Gold Coast Chapter Meeting
OXNARD — Pictures often are worth more than words for individuals and companies promoting brands and seeking publicity in today’s 24/7 media world. Tony Pinto, owner of Simi Valley-based Pinto Productions, will share his insights on delivering a public relations…
26 de enero — Como Manejar los Problemas de Obtener un ITIN
OXNARD — Como Manejar los Problemas de Obtener un ITIN, jueves 26 de enero, 2017 a 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm, Oxnard Heritage Cultural Center, 141 W. 5th St., Suite E. Onxard Llamen a Carlos al 805.816.7387 para reservar su espacio.
Spirit of Giving Food Drive Raises Over 12,000 Pounds
VENTURA COUNTY — From November 28th to December 14th, Dole Packaged Foods and FOOD Share of Ventura County collaborated on their first inaugural Spirit of Giving school food drive to empower local students to give back to those less fortunate…
Getting to Know EDC-VC’s Alondra Gaytan, SBDC Program Specialist
CAMARILLO — As a program specialist for EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center since 2014, Alondra Gaytan helps assess small business owners and innovators seeking professional/technical assistance and connects them with the appropriate resources, including SBDC’s business advisors who provide free one-on-one…
CenCal Health Pilot Project to Help Eligible Seniors Receive At-Home Assistance
CENTRAL COAST — To ensure that vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities continue to receive at-home medical services, CenCal Health is launching a pilot project with DASH (Doctors Assisting Seniors at Home) to serve its members. DASH is a program…
Holiday Shoppers Find Last Minute Deals At Centerpoint Mall During Final Week Before Christmas
Holiday shoppers are taking it down to the wire for Christmas gifts this season and Centerpoint Mall retailers have plenty of specials to offer at the more than 49 retail, specialty, entertainment and dining outlets ranging from apparel and electronics…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Breaks Ground on Farm Worker Housing in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA – Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) broke ground on Los Adobes de Maria III in Santa Maria, the nonprofit’s first Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified affordable housing development ever. PSHH was joined by local dignitaries and…
The Duncan Group Welcomes New Board Member Carl Steinberg
SANTA BARBARA – Carl Steinberg has been appointed as a new board member to The Duncan Group (TDG), the affiliate property management nonprofit for Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) developed rental properties. Steinberg’s real estate experience and passion for the well-being…
SBCC Center for Lifelong Learning Receives Top National Awards for Excellence in Marketing
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara City College Center for Lifelong Learning (the CLL) received the Excellence in Marketing Award from Learning Resources Network (LERN), the world’s largest professional association in continuing education and lifelong learning. LERN announced the CLL as the top winner for…
New Advisor to Help Launch Spanish-Language Program for Small Business Development Center
CENTRAL COAST — The Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties (SBDC), which provides free one-on-one consulting to help strengthen the bottom lines of area companies, has recently added a bilingual advisor with experience helping Spanish-language businesses.…
FOOD Share CEO Chosen for Tournament of Roses Parade
VENTURA COUNTY — FOOD Share of Ventura County President and CEO, Bonnie Atmore, has been selected by Dole Packaged Foods to represent the regional food bank and national hunger relief network, Feeding America, in the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade…
Jan. 19 — EDC-VC Annual Meeting Focuses on Sustainable Water Solutions
CAMARILLO — As Ventura County enters its sixth year of drought, the 20th annual meeting of the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County (EDC-VC) will explore the theme “Drowning in Drought: Sustainable Water Solutions.” Featured will be keynote speakers Susan Mulligan, general manager, Calleguas…
Catch the “ELF on the GO” Holiday Bus!
Ride Gold Coast Transit District’s Decorated Holiday Bus this December OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) is excited to announce that a specially decorated holiday bus will be traveling the streets of Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme and Ojai this…
New Clinical Leadership at CenCal Health
SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Takashi Wada, Director of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, is joining CenCal Health as Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Wada will join Dr. Darryl Leong, from Care First Health Plan in Los Angeles, who will…
SolRio Organization for Climate Change Mitigation Inc. Proposes Plan for Solar-Powered Desalination at SONGS
SAN CLEMENTE – SolRio Organization for Climate Change Mitigation Inc. has proposed a large-scale solar-powered desalination project at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station. SunRiver has the potential to produce 1.1 billion gallons of potable water daily by utilizing water…
Aera Energy celebrates Giving Tuesday with a check to the United Way of Ventura County
VENTURA — Local oil company Aera Energy LLC is celebrating the spirit of the season in a big way! In alignment with the global day of giving, the company celebrated their employee contributions and made a donation to the United Way…
EDC-VC Joins California Trade Delegation Trip to China
CAMARILLO – As part of the ongoing effort to increase trade and investment, particularly in California’s renewable energy and clean tech sectors, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the California Energy Commission recently led a delegation…
Gold Coast Transit District, Announces Partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the “If You See Something Say Something™” Campaign
VENTURA COUNTY — Gold Coast Transit District, Ventura County’s largest public transit provider announced their partnership with the public awareness campaign of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “If You See Something, Say Something™.” “If You See Something, Say Something™” posters…
PODS® Tri-Counties culminates year of giving at CAN-tree Collection food drive
OXNARD – PODS Tri-Counties owner Steve Yapp’s passion for his community knows no bounds. This year alone, he has contributed monetary and in-kind donations in the form of moving and storage services to more than 97 local non-profits, which is…
EDC-VC announces board expansion
CAMARILLO — The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County announces the addition of Amy Fonzo and Ron Galaviz to its board of directors. Fonzo, manager of external relations at California Resources Corporation, brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic planning and professional experience to…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Thanks its Partners with Central Coast Events
CENTRAL COAST — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing hosted two cocktail events, “Thanking Our Partners,” for its major community supporters in October. The events were held at Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach and Blush in Santa Barbara – Oct. 7 and 21, respectively –…
SBCC Career Skills Institute Partners with Local Industry to Provide Free Career Advancement Training to Employees and Job Seekers
Over 25 certificate programs deliver huge return on small investment of time SANTA BARBARA – The growing need for competitive skills in the local and global economy has placed mounting pressure on job seekers, business owners, and employees. The Career Skills Institute…
Gold Coast Health Plan Signs Contract with New Pharmacy Benefit Manager
Ventura County’s Medi-Cal Plan to Begin Partnership with OptumRx in 2017 CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has finalized its contract with OptumRx to manage the prescription drug benefits for the Plan’s more than 207,000 members. Starting next year, the Minnesota-based…
Ferguson Case Orr Paterson Announces Two New Partners
VENTURA — Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP (FCOP), Ventura County’s largest law firm, is pleased to announce John Hribar and Lane Lopez as new partners. Hribar’s practice is focused on appeals and civil litigation; Lopez specializes in tax law, business…
emPower Continues Celebrating Energy Action Month Beyond October
VENTURA — With Energy Action Month in October coming to a close, emPower Central Coast is challenging the community to continue taking care of the little loose ends that together are having real consequences on home energy bills. Energy Action Month…
Small Business Development Center Expands Advisor Roster
CENTRAL COAST — The Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, which provides free one-on-one consulting to help strengthen the bottom lines of area companies, has added law attorney Virginia Fuentes as a new consultant to its…
Union Bank Grants $10,000 to Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Programs
CENTRAL COAST — Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) announced it has been generously awarded a $10,000 grant from Union Bank in support of the nonprofit’s Youth Education Enhancement Program (YEEP), focusing on improving the literacy, English and math skills of student residents. Union Bank…
Spring Registration for SBCC Career Skills Institute Opens Dec. 13
Spring Semester features more than 50 classes and the opportunity to earn Digital Badges in 19 career advancement areas SANTA BARBARA — SBCC Career Skills Institute is pleased to announce that registration begins December 13 for over 50 short courses…
Homeowner Workshop on Dec. 6 Provides Tips for a Warm and Efficient Home
SANTA BARBARA — With temperatures quickly dropping, the County-operated emPower Central Coast program is inviting homeowners to its free home energy efficiency workshop Dec. 6 to discuss home upgrades that will keep you comfortable no matter the season. The workshop will be…
Jensen Design & Survey Hires Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Top Talent
CENTRAL COAST — Engineering design firms with innovative projects are always on the hunt for the best talent coming from the top schools in the state. Jensen Design & Survey, Inc. (JDS), a full-service civil engineering, surveying, planning, and construction…
Hispanic Heritage Month: One month is not enough
Too many issues and events to squeeze into one month of reflection and celebration By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Many folks wonder why Hispanic Heritage Month is divided between September and October. Yes, at least we get a month,…
Annual Safety Awards Day Recognized by Gold Coast Transit District
OXNARD — On October 5th Gold Coast Transit District celebrated its Annual Safety Awards Day. Each year, GCTD recognizes those drivers who have achieved a track record of safe driving as well as members of the “Million Mile Club” who have…
E.P. Foster Library presents ‘California’s Water Crisis and Solutions’ on Oct. 9
VENTURA — E.P. Foster Library presents “California’s Water Crisis and Solutions” with engineer and local author Mohammed A. Hasan from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at the E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Ventura, Topping Room. “There is a…
EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center Receives Funds for Doing What Matters for Jobs & the Economy Initiative
CENTRAL COAST — The Business & Entrepreneurship Center at Cuesta College (BEC) recently awarded $25,000 to the Economic Development Center-Ventura County’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as part of the Doing What Matters for Jobs & the Economy initiative. The funding,…
Sponsorships Available and Auction Items Needed for BGCOP’s 27th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction & Gala
OXNARD — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme is seeking the help of individuals and businesses to donate items for auction and sponsors for the upcoming 27th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction & Gala.…
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Receives National Award for Innovation in Care
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics was honored by BD, Direct Relief and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) with an Innovations in Care Award at the 2016 Community Health Institute and EXPO in Chicago. Part of the…